The Biggest Shake-Up to Rental Laws in a Generation
If you’re a landlord in South Devon, you’ve likely heard whispers about the 2025 Renters’ Rights Bill. Make no mistake – this isn’t just another minor regulatory tweak. It’s the most significant overhaul of private rental sector legislation in decades, and it’s going to fundamentally change how you manage your properties.
“We’ve been fielding calls daily from concerned landlords across Ivybridge, Plymouth, and surrounding areas,” says Veronica Beaver, Director of Your Home Let Devon. “As a family-run business alongside my daughter Rebecca, we’re committed to helping local landlords navigate these changes successfully.”
The bill is expected to gain Royal Assent by September 2025 and come into force in early 2026. That might seem like plenty of time, but the scale of changes means preparation needs to start now. Let’s break down what’s coming and why South Devon landlords need to act quickly.
Key Changes in the 2025 Renters’ Rights Bill
1. The End of “No-Fault” Evictions
The headline change that’s causing the most concern among landlords is the abolition of Section 21 notices, often called “no-fault evictions.” Currently, these allow landlords to regain possession of their property without having to prove any wrongdoing by the tenant.
Once the bill passes, you’ll only be able to evict tenants through Section 8 notices, which require specific grounds such as:
- Rent arrears
- Anti-social behaviour
- Intent to sell the property
- Plans to move in yourself or house a family member
“Many South Devon landlords have relied on Section 21 as a safety net,” explains Rebecca Beaver. “We’re helping them understand the expanded Section 8 grounds and how to document issues properly from day one of a tenancy.”
2. Periodic Tenancies Become Default
The bill will abolish fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) as the standard arrangement. Instead, all tenancies will become periodic by default, though landlords and tenants can still agree to fixed terms if both parties consent.
This means:
- Tenants can give notice to leave at any time (typically two months)
- Landlords can only end tenancies using valid Section 8 grounds
- Rental agreements will need complete rewrites
3. Restrictions on Rent Increases
Under the new rules, you’ll only be able to raise rent once per year via a formal Section 13 notice. The bill aims to prevent landlords from using frequent rent hikes as a backdoor method to force tenants out.
While this doesn’t cap how much you can raise the rent, any increase deemed excessive can be challenged by tenants through the First-tier Tribunal. South Devon’s rental market has seen strong growth in recent years, particularly in areas like Plymouth and Ivybridge, so landlords will need to carefully consider their pricing strategy.
4. The Decent Homes Standard
All private rental properties will need to meet the Decent Homes Standard, previously only applied to social housing. While the exact requirements are still being finalized, they’ll likely include:
- No serious health and safety hazards
- Reasonable state of repair
- Modern facilities and services
- Adequate heating and insulation
“Many properties across South Devon, particularly older cottages and period homes, may need significant improvements,” Veronica notes. “We’re already offering property assessments to help landlords identify potential issues before inspections become mandatory.”
5. Mandatory Landlord Registry
The bill introduces a national database of landlords and their properties. You’ll need to register and likely pay a fee, with penalties for non-compliance. This registry will track:
- Property ownership
- Safety compliance
- Complaint history
- Enforcement actions
6. Additional Key Changes
Other significant elements of the bill include:
- New Ombudsman Scheme: A dedicated body to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants without court involvement
- Ban on Discriminatory Practices: Landlords cannot refuse tenants solely because they receive benefits or have children
- Pet-Friendly Default: Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse pets (though they can require pet insurance)
- Ban on Rental Bidding Wars: Prohibiting the practice of tenants being asked to outbid each other
Why South Devon Landlords Need to Act Now
1. Property Standards Require Time and Planning
Many properties in South Devon—from coastal holiday lets converted to long-term rentals to charming but aging cottages in South Brent—may need significant work to meet the Decent Homes Standard.
“We’re seeing waiting lists grow for qualified tradespeople,” says Rebecca. “Landlords who delay could find themselves unable to complete necessary works before the deadline, potentially leaving properties unlettable.”
The cost implications could be substantial, so phasing improvements over the next 6-12 months makes financial sense. Your Home Let Devon is already helping landlords create property improvement plans that spread costs while ensuring compliance by the implementation date.
2. Documentation and Processes Need Overhaul
With Section 21 gone, the burden of proof for evictions shifts entirely to landlords. This means you’ll need robust systems for:
- Documenting all communications with tenants
- Recording evidence of any tenancy breaches
- Maintaining perfect paper trails for rent payments
- Conducting and recording regular property inspections
“We’re revamping our entire property management approach,” explains Veronica. “As a family business that’s been operating in Devon for years, we understand the local market and can help landlords implement systems that work specifically for properties in our area.”
3. Financial Planning Is Essential
The changes will impact your bottom line in several ways:
- Property improvements to meet standards
- Potentially longer void periods during tenant changes
- More complex eviction processes if issues arise
- Registration fees for the new landlord database
Smart landlords are building these costs into their financial models now, rather than facing unexpected expenses later. At Your Home Let Devon, we’re offering financial impact assessments to help landlords understand exactly what these changes mean for their specific portfolio.
4. Tenancy Agreements Need Rewriting
All existing tenancy agreements will need review and likely complete rewrites to comply with the new legislation. This includes:
- Removing clauses relating to fixed terms
- Adding details about the new grounds for eviction
- Updating sections on rent increases
- Addressing pet policies
“We’re already preparing new template agreements,” says Rebecca. “But each property is unique, especially in areas like Devon with its diverse housing stock, so we recommend customized reviews.”
How Your Home Let Devon Can Help
As a family-run business led by Veronica Beaver and daughter Rebecca, Your Home Let Devon offers a personal touch that corporate agencies can’t match. We understand the local South Devon market intimately and have been preparing for these legislative changes for months.
Our services for landlords include:
- Compliance Assessments: Detailed property evaluations against the upcoming Decent Homes Standard
- Improvement Planning: Practical schedules for necessary upgrades with trusted local contractors
- Documentation Review: Complete overhaul of your tenancy agreements and management processes
- Financial Impact Analysis: Understanding what these changes mean for your rental yield
- Ongoing Management: Taking the compliance burden off your shoulders entirely
“We’re not just agents; we’re landlords ourselves,” says Veronica. “We understand the concerns because we share them. But with proper preparation, these changes don’t have to be as disruptive as they first appear.”
Take Action Now
The 2025 Renters’ Rights Bill represents a fundamental shift in the landlord-tenant relationship. While the final implementation may be months away, the work needed to prepare starts now.
South Devon landlords who act early will not only ensure compliance but may gain competitive advantages in a market where some landlords will inevitably exit due to the increased regulation.
Contact Your Home Let Devon today for a no-obligation consultation about how these changes will affect your specific properties. Visit our website at yourhomeletdevon.co.uk or call us to speak directly with Veronica or Rebecca about your concerns.
The private rental sector is changing dramatically, but with the right support and preparation, South Devon landlords can adapt and thrive in this new landscape.
